Final Stretch

My summer is officially over, and I have completed two days of my senior year at Millsaps. With the type of summer I had, it really wasn't too depressing to get back into the swing of things. This summer challenged me and somewhat changed me. I spent it studying for the OAT (Optometry Admissions Test), taking it in the middle of July, and completing my applications. I had many ups and downs, but my family and Michael were consistently by my side, and for that I am grateful. I'm looking forward to see what God has in the works for my immediate post-Millsaps plans. I drank many a mocha frappes from McDonalds and even got to read a book for fun (The Help) near the end of the summer. I still haven't finished reading the book, but I cheated and saw the movie. It was such a great film! I highly recommend it.

I wrapped up the summer by visiting Michael in St. Louis and had such a fantastic time! I really enjoyed seeing his city and meeting his friends. Here we are at the top of the arch:

My mom did some amazing cooking this summer (I must be really tired of the Caf because I had requests for each night). When Michael visited for my last few days at home, she went all out! So much fun. Here's Michael preparing his shrimp for the grill:

My first days back in Jackson were fine and the usual adjustment. I'm living in the same dorm that I have for the past three years, but I've upgraded! I am now on the "outside" portion of the building enjoying my own bedroom and a common living room area. Don't get me wrong, Casey and I love each other, but we're loving having our own space. My classes are fine so far (no organic chemistry this year...can I get a hallelujah?). I took the traditional department senior picture with the rest of the biology majors on the first day of class thinking, "I'm finally here!" It feels great.

Mocha Frappes

What am I loving right now? McDonald's mocha frappes. They're $2.51, tax included, which is definitely less than those at Starbucks. Although I adore Starbucks and all of the wonderful local coffee shops in Jackson, McDonald's is a great option for when I'm in Magnolia. I also made a homemade mocha frappe earlier this week, which is an even cheaper alternative! I was pleased with how it turned out.

Unsettled

"I have a test tomorrow."
"I have to write a paper."
"I need to get some sleep."
"I have to go to a meeting."
"I have so much homework to do."
"I should go to the library."
"I am so stressed out."

What do all of these statements have in common? Yes, you got it...the word "I". I'm realizing that these four years of college, no matter how involved one is in extracurriculars or volunteer activities, is very self-serving. It causes me to become irritated when my views get so skewed that I think my tests and academic success (or the lack thereof) is the only important thing in this world. Unfortunately, I fall into that belief often. What a joke! With professors on my back and students constantly achieving academic success (which is great!), it is easy to slip into this mindset.

Now that I'm in my third year of college, I have been able to pinpoint my source of occasional discontentment with this chapter of my life. I want to invest my time in something other than constantly myself. However, I must remind myself that these four years of college (and hopefully four years of optometry school) is the time I'll be putting in to prepare for the long-term lifestyle I desire. This lifestyle will allow me to do meaningful activities and build/maintain enriching relationships and "success" in all aspects of life--not just the academic one.

I'm thankful for my Millsaps education and for the friendships, experiences, and life lessons I've gained here because there is, after all, a time for everything.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

(1) There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
(2) a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
(3) a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
(4) a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
(5) a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
(6) a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
(7) a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
(8) a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Almost Done

In the span of the past three days, I took four tests (while having a terrible cold).

Right now, I am sitting in Starbucks with a peppermint mocha, Kleenex, and my computer, doing absolutely nothing school related.

Once I return to campus, I will have three comprehensive final exams to prepare for and three reflection papers to write.

Exactly one week from today will be the sweet day that I load up my car, kiss this awful semester goodbye, put it behind me, and go home.

On another note, here's a picture of Yoda for your viewing pleasure:

Current Top Three Favorites

Three things I'm loving right now are...

1) Taylor Swift's newest album

2) Anberlin's newest album

3) Hazelnut coffee creamer

These two albums are great to listen to on my longer drives, and it was about time for some new music! I didn't think I would like Hazelnut creamer, but it's so yummy and makes late nights in the library just an itty bit more tolerable. My suitemate, Casey, just bought a huge bottle of it to carry us through finals week!

Koinonia

Three dollars buys you much more than a delicious mocha in a cute, homey mug.

Three dollars buys you personal time to digest the busyness of Millsaps or to refresh or realign your thinking.
Three dollars buys you the motivation to accomplish a lot in a shorter amount of time.
Three dollars buys you a short driving trip that allows you to enjoy your music.
Three dollars buys you space.
Three dollars buys you the place to people watch and see lives other than that of college students and professors.
Three dollars gets you out of the library and into a change of scenery.
Three dollars buys you, when not doing schoolwork, enriching conversation with those you love.

I love coffee shops.

Therapeutic Saturday

On my fall break, I saw Wicked in Memphis with Ariel. We absolutely loved it! Broadway musicals are magical, and my dream job is to be a Broadway dancer.


After my break, I finally got to see Michael! He came to Jackson for his fall break, and we had a great weekend.


After Michael left, I faced a week with three tests. Needless to say, I was pretty miserable. I gave up Facebook for the week, and that was an interesting experience. For the most part, I was so consumed with studying that I didn't really realize I wasn't on Facebook. However, I noticed that I excessively checked the weather and other websites that are regularly updated. It made me realize how much we crave constant updates/news. With that said, I spent Friday cleaning the bathroom, making a trip to Wal Mart, and Salsa dancing with friends! My Saturday has been spent sleeping, doing laundry, catching up on Facebook, and updating the blog.

One night I was studying organic and in the midst of all of the synthesis and mechanisms I was practicing, I jotted down this verse: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27.

Spontaneous Post

The following statements are opposites (me being pessimistic):
1) I'm a junior in college and I know exactly what I'm doing. Duh, I'm an upperclassman.
2) I know what I want to do with my life; I'll have no trouble reaching these goals.
3) Molecular cell biology is my favorite class ever.
4) I love it when I find a fruit fly in my rice in the Caf.
5) I'm so glad I have three tests in one week coming up.
6) It's so uplifting that everyone at Millsaps insists on coming across as being perfect.


The following epic events are going to occur within the next week (me being optimistic):
1) Fall break, baby.
2) Wicked Broadway in Memphis with Ariel Allen, followed by a fun night in Jonesboro.
3) Day in Little Rock with my family. I get to watch my high school's band perform.
4) See my doggie.
5) Sleep in my own bed and eat home cooked food.
6) Have plenty of time to study without having to go to class to accumulate even more homework.
7) Don't have to drive back to Jackson on Sunday afternoon like usual. That's so depressing.
8) No organic lab on Wednesday.
9) OEC with the cult for dinner.
10) Michael Price arrives in Jackson (best for last, naturally).

New Chapter

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Summer Update

There's not much more satisfying than reaching into the cookie jar only to discover that there's double stuffed Oreos in there. YUM.

Well, it's been a while. What have I been up to since I last wrote?

Other than going to Bartlett for Lauren's wedding, visiting Jackson to see some friends, working at The Caring Place and Khakis, and visiting Matt and Ariel in Jonesboro, I also...

...went to Yellowstone National Park with the Price family for vacation.

...flew by myself for the first time.

...enjoyed Michael's weekend visit to Magnolia!

...completed three weeks of Physics II. Only one more to go!

After physics, I've got a few more exciting things to look forward to before the summer ends! I've bought some new items for my dorm room and textbooks are posted online. There's no denying that school is only weeks away. This school year holds a lot of challenges for me, so I'm not only preparing by buying a cute new lamp and that darn Organic Chemistry lab textbook, but also by fully appreciating family time, every moment with Michael before he moves to St. Louis, and the overall relaxation of summer.

Orange Beach Vacation

My family (plus Michael) spent last week vacationing in Orange Beach, Alabama. It was a wonderful trip! Some highlights:

Mom and I spent our beach afternoons relaxing by the water. I primarily listened to my iPod while attempting a Ginger tan, or what I like to say, getting "off white."

Grant, Michael, and I got to go parasailing! It was a great experience. I was kind of freaked out but really excited at the same time.



Date night! Michael and I chose a local restaurant called Cosmos. It was AMAZING! Michael got his fresh Gulf fried shrimp and fish, and I got delicious chicken stuffed with cheese and asparagus. It was seriously the best restaurant I've been to in a long time. The atmosphere and food were wonderful. After dinner, we went to a local ice cream place for dessert.


Michael's 22nd birthday! For dinner, the whole family went to a local restaurant called Live Bait. Everyone loved it! We came back to the condo for birthday cake (the kind Mom usually makes for my birthday) and presents.

The rest of the pictures are on my Facebook! Up next...Yellowstone!

Time in the Kitchen

I've always said that I would learn how to cook when I need to. It's not that I think I won't enjoy it, but I've just never taken personal interest in learning. When it was decided that my parents were going to Cleveland for six days, I figured that I would attempt some things in the kitchen so Grant and I wouldn't live on frozen dinners. Michael and I had already successfully made a meal together this summer, so I figured I could attempt it on my own. Lazy nights included Friday night pizza (the usual in the Shirey household) and Sunday night SpongeBob shaped macaroni (the shapes taste better).

Meal #1: Grilled chicken with bread crumbs and pepper garlic seasoning, mashed potatoes, and green beans


Meal #2: BRINNER! (Breakfast for dinner for all you non-Scrubs fans.) Sunny side up eggs, chocolate chip pancakes (plain for Grant), bacon, and orange juice spritzer (orange juice with a splash of Sprite)
**Note Maddie on the right patiently waiting for her bite of bacon



Meal #3: Chicken fettuccine alfredo and asparagus

Meal #4: Tacos and corn

The kitchen never caught on fire, the hungry brother was happy, and everything was edible. I consider this mission a success.

My Latest Find

If you're like me, you like clothes.
If you're like me, you like shopping for these clothes.
If you're like my mom and me, you love getting good quality (and good names) for good prices.

For Lauren's wedding in June, I need some white sandals. After we ordered a pair and they didn't fit, the search was on again. Mom surfed the Web and added about five potential pairs to her "favorites" list (with me hovering) so I could go back and choose a pair later.

It's Memorial Day weekend sale time, so I got online to pick a pair. After looking at the five choices again, I quickly eliminated two. After a few minutes, a third pair got rejected. Between the remaining two, it was obvious which pair was my favorite and would go best with my dress. Besides, it was cheaper, on sale, and had "a padded footbed to pamper [my] sole". The chosen pair is also different from any of my other sandals!

Original price: $44.99
Sale price: $21.99
Price after 15% off promo code I found in a Google search: $18.69

Shoes here:
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/danabuchman/shoes/PRD~590667/Dana+Buchman+Bria+Sandals.jsp

And that's how it's done.

The Caring Place

The Caring Place is a program at my home church, First United Methodist in Magnolia, that has been in place for about two years. The director told my parents that she was interested in my working for her this summer, and after pondering it for a while, I decided it would be a good situation. The Caring Place works with adult Alzheimer's patients, but the primary purpose of the ministry is to give their caretakers a four hour break each week to do things that they usually can't do or enjoy when caring for their loved one. Currently, nine adults are on roll to attend. Every Thursday, the patients come to the church from 10:00-2:00, and The Caring Place provides games, arts and crafts, socialization, etc. for the patients. The main goal is to stimulate the patients' brains to maintain as much neuron firing and memory as possible. On Thursdays, I'll arrive at the church at 9:00 to set up the activities for the day and leave probably around 3:00 after cleaning up. When the participants are present, I'll be working with the volunteers and helping the adults. On one Thursday this summer, we're going to have a spa day! I can only imagine how happy the 90 year old women will be when they are pampered and get their nails done just like they used to be able to do on their own. We'll probably also have a Luau day and a field trip to Lake Columbia for a picnic lunch.

The other part of my job will involve office work on Tuesday afternoons. The supplies are currently a mess, and one of my major tasks will be to organize everything. As many of you know, I LOVE organizing! I'll also help write the newsletters, update the pamphlet, run errands, help with advertising, and prepare for the following Thursday's activities. It works out well because when I start physics in July, I'll work on Tuesday mornings instead of afternoons and just come on Thursdays in the morning. The flexibility is a plus. I'm only working two days a week, so it's great because it allows for random shopping days, trips to Bartlett and Jackson, and Michael visits to Magnolia! Also, with my vacations and class this summer, I knew I wouldn't be able to work near as much as I usually do.

I'm really looking forward to this job because I think it will be more rewarding compared to jobs I've held in the past. It will definitely be more stimulating and at some times, challenging. Working with the participants and helping them play Wii bowling or paint a birdhouse and seeing their satisfaction in accomplishing these simple tasks will make me feel like I made a small difference. Their caregivers, and for some people, their spouses, deserve at least a four hour break from their devoted care for these adults. It will also give me more experience with geriatric patients, which is definitely a group that I would encounter as an optometry student (hopefully) and practicing doctor.

My first day there is tomorrow! I hope I like it, and from what people have told me, I probably will.

Why Start a Blog?

Hello, Blog World. Why did I, yet another college student, choose to start a blog?

1. A small audience...
I don't aspire to have a large chunk of the World Wide Web keeping tabs on my blog. Instead, I want to use this as another form of communication to those Millsaps friends I'll miss over the summer, that boyfriend who's moving to St. Louis, that close friend who's living in Malawi for six weeks, those parents who don't see me as often during the school year, and those few best high school friends who live in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

2. Everything I write is graded...
That's right. As a college student, I'm graded on everything I write. As a Millsaps College student, I feel like I'm almost scrutinized on everything I write. My blog will not be placed under a microscope and won't follow a prompt that rarely holds my interest. I can write whatever I want!

3. A creative outlet...
Often in the midst of school work, I want to take a break that does not involve creeping on Facebook. This blog can serve as that 30 minute break from biology and chemistry.

4. Everybody else is doing it...
Let's be honest. I enjoy reading others' blogs, so I decided to start my own. And no, if everyone was jumping off of a bridge, I wouldn't do it too.